The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a pivotal situation.
They currently own the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but what they do with this pick remains uncertain. The Sixers have three options to weigh over the next few hours:
- Keep the pick and draft a young player
- Trade down in the draft and get some assets in addition to a young player
- Trade the pick to another team for a win-now, experienced player
Situation 1: Keep the Pick
The most likely route as of now seems to be that Philly will keep their spot at three and draft a young player with a lot of upside. Who they select is still up for debate, but a report from USA Today’s Michael Scotto earlier this month suggests the Sixers may have narrowed things down.
Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe is the first reported player to have had a private workout with the 76ers; a workout that All-Star Tyrese Maxey flew out for, per Jake Fischer.
“Edgecombe is said to have impressed with his work ethic, personality and interviews. He went to dinner with Morey and other Sixers higher-ups. Even Tyrese Maxey, sources say, flew in for the occasion. The Sixers are certainly intrigued by what type of defensive complement Edgecombe could provide their All-Star guard, sources say, in addition to his explosive upside on the offensive side of the ball.”
The Baylor guard averaged 15.0 points (44% FG, 34% 3PT, 78% FT), 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals in 33 games with the Bears.
Another player the Sixers are interested in is Rutgers’ Ace Bailey. The 6-foot-9 Bailey is a polarizing prospect among the Sixers fanbase, but according to his draft profile, his strengths include elite quickness and leaping ability. He can attack the rim, finish through contact, and run the floor. With a high release shooting touch that extends to the three, impressive passing instincts, and strong defensive tools, he shows high-level two-way potential and advanced skill for his age.
While he has made physical progress, he still needs to fill out his frame and improve efficiency through better shot selection and decision-making. His handle is loose, outside shooting is streaky, and his defensive focus is inconsistent, showing room to grow in ball control, basketball IQ, and overall polish.
Other concerns arise with Bailey’s intangibles. According to recent reports, the Rutgers star cancelled his workout with the 76ers.
Jason Dumas reported that Bailey’s camp wanted a promise from the Sixers before agreeing to meet with them. His Agent is Omar Cooper, father of 2021 second-rounder Shareef Cooper.
“It just seems as though Ace Bailey has received some poor advice over the past year. Has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way,” says basketball analyst Jeff Goodman.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points (46% FG, 35% 3PT, 69% FT), 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks in 30 games with the Scarlet Knights.
Situation 2: Trade Down in the Draft
What if the Sixers have the opportunity to make a trade that gives them assets, like a future draft pick or a quality role player, in addition to the ability to draft a young player this year?
This may be on the table for Philly, as Kevin O’Connor reports that the New Orleans Pelicans, who are allegedly very high on Bailey, are aggressively pursuing a trade that would give them the chance to draft him.
“Personally, if I’m Philadelphia, I’d be very, very open to trading down. I’ve heard the Pelicans at No. 7 like Ace Bailey. Joe Dumars [is] there, [it] sounds like he really likes Ace Bailey, could try to trade up to No. 3 to Philly or No. 4 with Charlotte,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor also produced a mock draft that features the following trade:
Pelicans send the seventh pick, a 2026 Pacers 1st (top-4 protected) and Herb Jones to the Sixers for the third pick and Kelly Oubre (player option).
Essentially, for the third overall pick (Bailey) and Kelly Oubre, the Sixers would receive this year’s seventh overall pick, the Pacers’ 2026 (top-4 protected) pick, and Herb Jones. While Jones is a very solid player, it is worth noting that he was sidelined for the latter half of the season with a right shoulder injury.
Additionally, not many of the options that would be left at seven make a lot of sense for this Philadelphia squad. There would be Duke center Khaman Maluach, who would have to wait behind Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona for his chance to shine. Also in this range is Maryland center Derik Queen, who would face the same challenges as Maluach.
Situation 3: Trade for an Established Player
Finally, the Philadelphia could trade the third overall pick — and probably other assets — for an established, contributing player. More than anything, the Sixers routinely find themselves in need of defensive, three-point-shooting wings. They thought that Paul George would primarily take on that role, but after an underwhelming, injury-riddled season, perhaps Philadelphia turns their head to someone new.
Reports of the Sixers considering this option have died down as the draft nears, but a name that has repeatedly popped up among speculative fans is Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. While the details vary, a package would be George and the third overall pick for Markkanen, who averaged 19.0 points (42% FG, 35% 3PT, 88% FT) and 5.9 rebounds per game last season.
In this scenario, Philly would offload George’s enormous contract and, in return, get a stretch-forward who can reliably shoot the three. The Jazz would have the chance to draft one of the aforementioned top-three-level talents to add to their young core.
Another name that bobbed around the Sixers rumor mill was Kevin Durant. However, with him being traded to the Houston Rockets this weekend, this route is seemingly off the table.
Looking Ahead
The Sixers are at a crossroads with a pivotal decision that could shape the franchise’s future.
Whether they choose to bet on a high-upside rookie, trade down for assets or swing big for an established star, Philadelphia’s next move will signal their vision for how to best build around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
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